Validation Modes

In Serna, you can work with valid documents and with well-formed documents. A valid document conforms with XML syntax and uses a DTD/ Schema. A well-formed document conforms with XML syntax but doesn't use a DTD/ Schema.

If a document is opened or created with an XML Schema, it is dynamically validated, or validated on-the-fly. This means Serna helps the user by providing the following:

You can switch between three validation modes in Serna:
  • Validation Off

    No validation is performed.

  • Validation On

    Document is dynamically validated, but the user may create invalid content (element, attributes, etc). Serna only signals errors in the Message Window.

  • Strict Validation

    Document is dynamically validated, and Serna does not allow the user to perform invalid operations. When you attempt to create invalid content, Serna undoes the operation.

    Tip:

    Strict validation mode is recommended for inexperienced authors of XML documents.

To switch validation modes, choose Edit > Validation and select one of the modes: Strict, On, or Off.